Before I decided to run for Congress, I served in the United States Marine Corps. And as a young Marine, I remember September 11, 2001 vividly.

The strength of the American resolve that day still fuels me twenty-one years later.

In the aftermath of 9/11, I participated in the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 1st Marine Division. And volunteered for a second deployment with the 4th Reconnaissance Battalion and the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines a year and a half later.

The fight for freedom and democracy powered me then. And it still powers me today.

When I watched the towers fall on 9/11, I knew that our lives were forever changed. I knew we would be asked to confront the reality of global terrorism. I felt a horrible atrocity had been committed against the people of New York and our Nation.

Now, twenty-one years later, I feel the same determination to protect my country as I did on that fateful day. Our American resolve is strong, but we know more than ever that our democracy is fragile, and I intend to protect it at all costs.

So today, I’m asking you to reflect on September 11, 2001 — the lives lost and the strength of our country to overcome any attack.

Never forget,

John Lira